Tokyo’s Kametaka Shrine Festival: A Journey Through Time
Basic Information
Kametaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kitasuna, Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the deity of food and agriculture.
- Address: 4-25-15 Kitasuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0074
- Phone Number: 03-3645-0816
- Access: 18-minute walk from Minamisuna Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Festival Days: May 15th (Spring Festival) and September 15th (Autumn Festival)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kametaka Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on both the Spring Festival and Autumn Festival days. The mikoshi, a portable shrine, is carried through the streets of the neighborhood by a team of people, accompanied by music and dancing.
Yatai Village
During the festival, a yatai village is set up in the shrine grounds. Yatai are food stalls that sell a variety of Japanese street food, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There are also games and activities for children.
Dedication of Performing Arts
On the stage in the shrine grounds, various performing arts are dedicated to the deity of the shrine. These performances include kagura, a traditional Shinto dance, and獅子舞 shishimai, a lion dance.
Children’s Mikoshi
On both festival days, a children’s mikoshi is also carried through the streets. This is a smaller version of the main mikoshi, and it is carried by children from the local community.
Blessings and Deities
Kametaka Shrine is dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the deity of food and agriculture. Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto is said to bring blessings of a bountiful harvest, good health, and prosperity.
- Benefits: Bountiful harvest, good health, prosperity
- Deity: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto
Origin and History
The origins of Kametaka Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Kan’ei era (1624-1644). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Koto Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1968.
- Founded: Kan’ei era (1624-1644)
- Original location: Different part of Koto Ward
- Current location: 1968
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Kametaka Shrine:
- Respectful behavior: As with all Shinto shrines, visitors should be respectful of the shrine and its customs. This includes removing your shoes before entering the main hall and bowing before the altar.
- Photography: Photography is generally allowed within the shrine grounds, but it is important to be respectful of other visitors and avoid taking pictures of people without their permission.
- Parking: There is no parking lot at Kametaka Shrine, so visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Kametaka Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years
| Type of Stall | Description |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki | A staple at Japanese festivals. Characterized by a crispy outside and a creamy inside. |
| Jaga Butter | A simple yet popular snack of hot potatoes lavishly topped with melted butter. |
| Baby Castella | Small castella cakes, sweet and fluffy treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. |
| Grilled Ayu with Salt | Fresh ayu fish grilled whole with salt, a savory taste of Japanese summer. |
| Shaapin | A unique gourmet item influenced by foreign cuisine, with a chewy skin wrapping the filling. |
| Okonomiyaki | A Japanese grilled dish where you often choose your own ingredients for a personalized flavor. |
| Cotton Candy | A fluffy, sweet snack that’s extremely popular with children. |
| Chocolate Banana | A banana coated in chocolate, a fun and visually appealing dessert. |
| Kushiyaki | Various types of ingredients skewered and grilled, an easy-to-enjoy snack. |
| Yakisoba | Fried noodles mixed with a special sauce, a fast food favorite in Japan. |
